Why You’ll Love This Sourdough Applesauce Cake Recipe
When you take a bite of this Sourdough Applesauce Cake, you’ll instantly understand why it’s a favorite in my kitchen.
The blend of tangy sourdough and sweet applesauce creates a moist, flavorful cake that’s hard to resist. Each slice offers a delightful mix of spices, making it perfect for any occasion.
I love how easy it’s to whip up, and it fills my home with a warm, inviting aroma. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up extra sourdough starter!
Trust me; once you try it, you’ll want to bake it again and again. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Ingredients of Sourdough Applesauce Cake
When it comes to baking, having the right ingredients is key, and this Sourdough Applesauce Cake is no exception. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the delightful combination of flavors. You’ll find that most of the ingredients are staples you might already have in your pantry, which makes it even easier to whip up on a whim, especially when that craving for something sweet hits.
So, let’s plunge into what you’ll need to create this scrumptious cake.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup active sourdough starter
- 1/4 cup evaporated skim milk
- 1 cup unbleached flour
- 1 cup applesauce (homemade if possible)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon clove
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine
- 1 large egg, well beaten
Now, let’s talk about some considerations regarding these ingredients. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can easily customize this cake to fit your taste preferences.
For instance, adding a half cup of raisins or chopped nuts can give it an extra texture boost and a bit of a crunch, which I personally love. And while the recipe calls for evaporated skim milk, you could substitute it with regular milk or even a non-dairy alternative if that’s what you have on hand.
Remember, cooking is all about improvisation and making it your own, right? Just imagine the warm aroma wafting through your kitchen as this cake bakes, inviting everyone to gather around.
How to Make Sourdough Applesauce Cake
Making Sourdough Applesauce Cake isn’t just about following a recipe; it’s an experience that fills your kitchen with warmth and sweet aromas. To kick things off, grab 1 cup of your active sourdough starter. This is the magic ingredient that gives the cake its unique flavor and texture. Combine it with 1/4 cup of evaporated skim milk, 1 cup of unbleached flour, and 1 cup of applesauce—homemade if you’ve got it, because let’s face it, homemade applesauce just hits differently.
Let this mixture sit in a covered bowl in a warm place for a bit. This step is essential, as it allows the starter to work its magic, creating a light and fluffy cake.
While that’s happening, you can multitask—because who doesn’t love feeling like a kitchen superhero? Cream together 1/2 cup of white sugar and 1/2 cup of brown sugar with 1/2 cup of butter or margarine until it’s nice and fluffy. Then, add in 1 large egg, well beaten, and mix it all together. Don’t worry if it looks a bit lumpy; that’s just part of the charm.
Next, sprinkle in your spices: 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon of allspice, and 1/2 teaspoon of clove. I know, it sounds like a spice rack exploded, but trust me, this is what’ll make your cake sing. If you’re feeling adventurous (or just have some on hand), toss in 1/2 cup of raisins or chopped nuts, too. Stir it all together until it’s well mixed—no lumps allowed; we’re making cake, not a lumpy soup.
Now comes the fun part: mix your starter mixture into your creamy sugar concoction. Beat it by hand until it’s smooth and well combined. Pour this delightful batter into a greased cake pan, and slide it into a preheated oven at 350 degrees F.
Now, here’s where patience pays off; let it bake for about 30 to 45 minutes. I like to start checking for doneness around the 30-minute mark. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean, which is a little like finding that last piece of chocolate in the box—oh, the joy!
Once it’s baked to perfection, let it cool completely before cutting into it. There’s nothing worse than diving into a hot cake only to end up with a gooey mess. Trust me on this one. Once it’s cool, slice it up, and enjoy the fruits of your labor, knowing you’ve just made something truly scrumptious.
Sourdough Applesauce Cake Substitutions & Variations
While I love the classic Sourdough Applesauce Cake recipe, there are plenty of substitutions and variations that can elevate it to new heights.
For a healthier twist, try using whole wheat flour instead of unbleached flour, or substitute Greek yogurt for evaporated skim milk. You can switch up the sugars by using coconut sugar or even maple syrup for a unique flavor.
Add-ins like chopped walnuts, pecans, or even dried cranberries can enhance the texture.
Finally, for a spiced version, consider adding pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices. Experimenting can lead to a delightful new favorite!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your Sourdough Applesauce Cake turns out perfectly every time, I’ve gathered some helpful tips and notes.
First, make sure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly; this will really boost the flavor.
If you prefer a moister cake, feel free to add more applesauce. I love tossing in nuts or raisins for extra texture, but you can leave them out if you want a classic flavor.
Don’t skip the cooling step; it helps the cake set properly.
Finally, always test for doneness with a toothpick—if it comes out clean, you’re good to go!
Enjoy baking!